SOPHIA GARDENS BACK FOR GLAM

GLAMORGAN are to rename their ground Sophia Gardens Cardiff after a partnership with long time sponsors SSE came to an end.

The county is using the Sophia Gardens name that became synonymous with Welsh cricket – as the name of the ground between 1967 and 2007 – but says it is actively seeking a new stadium sponsor.

Under its old name ‘The SSE SWALEC’ (and before that as ‘SWALEC Stadium’) the Cardiffbased ground staged two Ashes Test matches plus countless other internationals and big domestic contests. It was also used as a gig venue in 2016, holding Kaiser Chiefs and Simply Red concerts.

Chief executive Hugh Morris said: “Our partnership with SSE has come to an end but I would like to thank them for being part of the Glamorgan family for the last 10 years and for helping to grow the game of cricket in Wales.

“We will instead use a name which connects Glamorgan back to its past and location within the beautiful Sophia Gardens grounds.

“Sophia Gardens Cardiff also strengthens our connection with our capital city, as well as our partner Cardiff Council who have been an incredible support to the club over the years.”

The stadium will host England internationals against India and Australia in the coming year and has been chosen as a venue for the 2019 World Cup.

Glamorgan have indicated to the England and Wales Cricket Board they want to concentrate on hosting one-day international cricket until 2024 but have also been named as one of eight stadiums to host the ECB’s new 100-ball franchise format, which launches in 2020.

The county hopes to secure a long-term stadium sponsor by the time that competition gets under way.

Glamorgan’s clash with Middlesex at Lord’s was yesterday abandoned as a draw after no play was possible on the final day. The Welsh county were 38 for four in reply to Middlesex’s 194.